Role Call

In Sadiyaan she plays the role of a Muslim woman from Pakistan who forms a link between the other characters in the film. “The film is based in the post-independence era and gives out a strong message of unity. It is relevant to our times which are plagued by terrorism and the Hindu-Muslim divide,” says the veteran actress,who will be sharing screen space with another South Indian beauty,Rekha. “Rekha and I have been very good friends for years. We meet very often. So it was nice to be working with her after many years,” she states.

Although it was Raj Kanwar’s old-school ways of filmmaking that attracted Hema to the film,it was on Shatrughan Sinha’s insistence that she agreed to do the film. “Luv (Sinha) is like a son to me. I have seen him from the day he was born and it was really wonderful to be a part of his debut,” she says with a fond smile,“Esha,Ahana,Luv,Kush were all a gang when growing up. Luv and Kush often came over to our place. Esha too is thrilled to see him on screen.”

Although films have earned her fame,name and wealth,it is her dance performances that keep her in the limelight at all times. “My dance rehearsals keep me on my toes,besides yoga and exercise which I do every morning,” she tells us. Her evenings are dedicated to her newly-resurrected production house,after which she switches on her television set. “Post 7pm,I am glued to my serials. They are a huge de-stresser,” she says,while revealing to us that she has plans of producing one soon. “Maybe I will take inspiration from one of my films for a serial.”

For now,it is her home production Tell Me Oh Khuda starring daughter Esha Deol,that’s keeping her busy. “The movie also stars yesteryear actors Vinod Khanna,Rishi Kapoor and Dharmendra,” she confirms. And when will we see the most sought after pair of the 70’s,Dharmendra and her,together again? “In my next film. But a very small part,” she gestures with her hand. For now,we are even happy with this.